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dolphins and seals are marine mammals. dolphin and seal flippers have similar (but modified) bones. these flipper bones are _____structures.

User Josias
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Final answer:

Dolphins and seals have flipper bones that are considered homologous structures, indicating a common ancestor and divergent evolution adapting their limbs to different environments.

Step-by-step explanation:

The flipper bones in dolphins and seals are homologous structures.

It is because dolphins and seals, along with humans, cats, and whales, are all mammals and share a common ancestor. Their limb bones have similar arrangements despite different shapes and sizes, and these adaptations occurred due to their respective environments and lifestyles.

We see a difference in the shape and proportion of the limbs within these species due to the process called divergent evolution, where genetically similar structures adapt to different functions.

User Jmatraszek
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